NAFDAC outlaws alcoholic drinks in sachet

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has stopped the registration of alcohol in Sachet, Small volume and Glass bottles below 200ml.

The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, disclosed this in a statement and said registration of new alcoholic drinks in sachet and small volume and Glass bottles above 30% Alcohol volume has been banned by NAFDAC.

The statement notes that the ban follows the recommendation of a high powered Committee of the Federal Ministry of Health, NAFDAC, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission and Industry represented by the Association of Food, Beverages and Tobacco Employers, Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN) in December 2018.

According to the statement, the Agency will ensure that validity of renewal of already registered alcoholic products in the affected category will not exceed the year 2024 stressing that Manufacturers of low volume alcohol beverages of 200ml with satisfactory Laboratory reports, which were already submitted to NAFDAC for registration before this decision, have been directed to reformulate their products to stipulated standards free of charge.

According to the statement, Producers of Alcohol in Sachets and Small volume had agreed to reduce production by 50% since January 31st 2020 while ensuring the products are completely phased out in the country by 31st January 2024. (NAN)